The urgent need for Sunderland to cut post-Premiership costs was further highlighted last night.

The urgent need for Sunderland to cut post-Premiership costs was further highlighted last night.

Earlier in the day the club revealed that a number of players deemed surplus to requirements had been asked to take a temporary cut in wages.

Outgoing chief executive Hugh Roberts is working around the clock to place the Black Cats on a sound financial footing ahead of their forthcoming Nationwide League campaign.

And it emerged last night that those players not considered to have a future on Wearside have been approached with a view to accepting a deferral on part of their salaries until they leave Sunderland.

It is understood the club could save a six-figure sum if the latest cost-cutting plan is agreed but Roberts was keen to point out that wage cuts were not an indicator of impending administration.

"Because of the difficulties some other clubs have faced in the past there have been the predictable financial rumours about administration," explained the club's off-field figurehead. "But these are simply unfounded and in no way reflect our current financial position.

"We are simply adopting a pragmatic approach to the reality of life outside the Premier League and there is no likelihood that the club will go into administration."

Roberts' confident statement will be music to the ears of supporters who feared relegation from the Premiership would simply hasten a downward spiral on Wearside. The perilous position of Ipswich Town, who finished fifth in the Premiership just two seasons ago, is evidence of the dangers facing those clubs to have lost their top flight status.

But Sunderland insiders have consistently insisted their club is not in danger of following suit.

This is thanks to a proactive approach to finances and the benefit of a loyal, well-established fan base.

Senior professionals - including transfer-listed quartet Joachim Bjorklund, Phil Babb, Emerson Thome and Thomas Myhre - have all been informed of a request which is unlikely to go down well with individuals who already face an uncertain future.

And those asked to take a temporary cut in wages are in no way obligated to agree to a scheme which holds no legal sway.